countyscore
55.9
County Score
Property Tax 87Water Quality 86Cost of Living 83

County Report Card

About Macon County, Alabama

Macon County slightly beats national average

Macon County's composite score of 55.9 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 60th percentile. This edge is built on exceptional housing affordability rather than strong income or economic mobility.

Stands above Alabama's typical county

Macon County scores 55.9 versus the state average of 52.9, placing it in the upper-middle tier of Alabama's counties. The 3-point advantage reflects its strong cost performance and low environmental risk.

Cheap housing and minimal climate risk

Macon County delivers a cost score of 83.0 with median housing prices at just $95,700 and rent averaging $709 monthly. A risk score of 76.2 indicates very low exposure to environmental and climate hazards, providing long-term stability.

Poverty and health outcomes lag significantly

Median household income of $45,951 produces an income score of just 8.3, reflecting deep economic hardship and limited wage growth. Health scores of 22.3 signal poor access to preventive care and higher disease burden among residents.

Best for retirees prioritizing low costs

Macon County is ideal for fixed-income seniors and cost-conscious households willing to sacrifice health care quality and economic opportunity. Young families and working professionals should hesitate due to limited earning potential and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax87Cost83Safety36.6Health22.3Schools53.5Income8.3Risk76.2Water86Weather51
🏛87
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼8.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡36.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡76.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨18
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Bullock County
Alabama
52.6
Tallapoosa County
Alabama
50.7
Elmore County
Alabama
52.1
Lee County
Alabama
42.1
Montgomery County
Alabama
48.6
Russell County
Alabama
55
Chambers County
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44.7
Pike County
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47.3

Deep Dives

Macon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Macon County

via TaxByCounty

Macon County taxes run moderate nationally

Macon County's effective tax rate of 0.489% exceeds the national median of 0.339%, but low median home values of $95,700 keep actual tax bills at only $468 annually. That's less than 17% of the national median property tax, reflecting Alabama's broader affordability advantage.

Above average rate for Alabama

At 0.489%, Macon County ranks among Alabama's higher-taxing counties, exceeding the state average of 0.339% by 0.15 percentage points. Only counties like Lee and Limestone's peers exceed this rate meaningfully.

Macon taxes higher than nearby counties

Macon County's 0.489% effective rate is notably higher than Marengo County (0.384%) and Lowndes County (0.408%), despite similar home values. This higher rate adds roughly $50–$100 annually to a typical homeowner's tax burden compared to neighbors.

Your median annual tax bill

Macon County's median home value of $95,700 at a 0.489% rate yields approximately $468 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages should anticipate roughly $78 more in escrow payments, bringing the total to about $546.

Challenge assessments in higher-rate areas

In higher-taxing Macon County, overassessment has an amplified impact—even small assessment errors compound across a higher rate. Request a reassessment if you believe your home's assessed value outpaces comparable sales in your neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Macon County

via CostByCounty

Macon County slightly strains budgets

Macon County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national average, while median household income of $45,951 trails the U.S. median significantly. Renters here spend $709 monthly on housing, a manageable amount that still consumes a meaningful share of paychecks.

Near-average affordability statewide

Macon County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% closely mirrors Alabama's state average of 18.0%, placing it solidly in the middle of the affordability spectrum. At $709 monthly rent, the county undercuts the state median of $799.

Competitive rents, modest incomes

Macon County's $709 rent is lower than Lee and Madison counties but slightly higher than Marion and Marengo, while income levels remain below regional peers. For renters, Macon offers reasonable housing costs relative to the surrounding area.

Homeowning slightly cheaper than renting

Monthly rent averages $709 while homeowner costs run $613 on a $45,951 median income, making home purchase appealing if financing is available. Either way, housing consumes roughly 15-18% of household earnings, leaving modest room for other expenses.

Macon County balances cost and value

If you're seeking lower rent without rock-bottom wages, Macon County delivers reasonable middle ground—housing costs are manageable and below state average. Prospective buyers should explore ownership options here, where monthly payments dip below rental costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Macon County

via IncomeByCounty

Macon County Earns Well Below National Average

Macon County's median household income of $45,951 falls 39% short of the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lower-income counties nationwide. This gap reflects structural economic challenges and limited access to higher-wage employment sectors.

Below Alabama's Average Income

At $45,951, Macon County's median household income trails Alabama's state average of $54,196 by $8,245—a 15% deficit. This positions Macon County among the state's lower-earning regions, though not at the absolute bottom of the economic spectrum.

Macon Outpaces Rural Peer Counties

Macon County's $45,951 income exceeds Lowndes County ($35,160) by 31% but lags behind Marion County ($50,714) and other regional neighbors. This mixed ranking reflects Macon's position as a mid-tier county in a generally economically challenged region of central Alabama.

Rent Manageable, Homeownership Challenging

Macon County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% exceeds the healthy 15% benchmark, indicating moderate housing cost pressure. The median home value of $95,700 is affordable in absolute terms, but the low median income means many households struggle to save enough for a down payment.

Start Small, Build Steadily

Macon County households should explore employer retirement plans, credit unions, and low-cost investment vehicles designed for modest incomes. Even beginning with automatic transfers of $25–$50 monthly to a dedicated savings account establishes wealth-building habits that compound over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Macon County

via CrimeByCounty

Macon County Maintains Secure Environment

Macon County reports 1,468.9 crimes per 100,000 residents, keeping it well below the national average of 2,385.5. This leads to an impressive safety score of 97.7 out of 100.

Macon Edges Out State Safety Average

Macon's safety score of 97.7 slightly beats the Alabama state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate is roughly 15% lower than the state typical average of 1,731.0.

Lower Crime Rates Than Neighboring Lee

Macon County's crime rate of 1,468.9 is significantly lower than Lee County's rate of 2,784.8. Five reporting agencies contribute to the public safety monitoring across the county.

Low Property Crime Counterbalances Violent Rates

Property crime is very low at 916.8 per 100,000, while violent crime is higher than the national average at 552.1. Overall, total crime remains lower than national benchmarks.

Vigilance Against Property Offenses

Residents should focus on securing outbuildings and exterior property to keep theft rates low. Visible security cameras can serve as an effective deterrent for property-related incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Macon County

via HealthByCounty

Macon County health trails national averages

Macon County's life expectancy of 71.4 years falls nearly 5 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. At 28.4%, the share of residents reporting poor or fair health is significantly higher than the national 21%, suggesting widespread chronic conditions.

Below-average health outcomes statewide

Macon County's 71.4-year life expectancy ranks below Alabama's 72.1 average, though only slightly, placing it in the state's lower-middle tier. The 28.4% poor/fair health rate is notably worse than most Alabama counties, reflecting deeper health challenges.

Macon struggles despite rural companions

Macon County's 71.4 years trails neighboring Lee County's 77.2 years by nearly 6 years, though it edges out Lowndes County at 67.6 years. Macon's standout strength is mental health providers at 479 per 100,000—likely serving the Tuskegee area—but only 32 primary care providers per 100,000 create gaps in routine medical care.

Specialty care available, primary care sparse

Macon's mental health provider density of 479 per 100,000 is exceptional, but this doesn't address its shortage of primary care doctors (32 per 100,000). At 9.6% uninsured, most residents have coverage, yet many must travel significant distances for basic check-ups and preventive screenings.

Insurance unlocks behavioral health access

With robust mental health resources and 9.6% uninsured, Macon residents who lack coverage miss out on both preventive care and the behavioral services the county does offer. Apply for coverage at healthcare.gov to link with these services and local primary care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Macon County

via SchoolsByCounty

An Intimate Network for Higher Learning

Macon County manages a total of 7 public schools serving 1,790 students within a single unified district. The infrastructure includes 2 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 2 high schools, and one specialized PK-12 campus. This small footprint fosters a tight-knit educational community for local families.

Exceeding State and National Standards

Macon County achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0%. The county invests $7,057 per pupil, which is well above the state average of $6,270. These metrics contribute to a solid school score of 54.7, indicating high performance across the district.

A Single Dedicated County District

All public education is overseen by the Macon County School District, which manages the area's 1,790 students. No charter schools exist in the county, making the traditional public system the primary educational driver. Booker T Washington High is the district's flagship high school, serving nearly 500 students.

Balanced Town and Rural Classrooms

The county's schools are split between four town-based and three rural locations, providing diverse environments for its 298-student average school size. Booker T Washington High is the largest at 478 students, while Tuskegee Institute Middle offers a smaller setting with 213 students. This blend offers families a choice between community hubs and quieter, rural campuses.

Invest in a County with High Academic Success

With graduation rates hitting 92%, Macon County is a hidden gem for families focused on academic achievement. The area's rich educational history and high per-pupil spending make it a compelling choice for new residents. Start your home search here to join a community that clearly prioritizes student success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Macon County

via RiskByCounty

Macon County has very low disaster risk

Macon County's composite risk score of 23.86 ranks among the lowest in the nation, placing it solidly in the very low risk category. This exceptionally favorable position reflects modest exposure to most major hazard types that threaten other parts of the country.

Alabama's safest county

Macon County ranks as the lowest-risk county in Alabama, with a composite score of 23.86 compared to the state average of 61.54. This 37-point advantage represents the state's best position for disaster preparedness and risk exposure.

Safest in its region by far

Macon County's 23.86 score is dramatically lower than all neighboring counties, including Lowndes (29.07), Marengo (52.16), and Marion (69.15). The county's geographic location provides natural advantages against most major disaster types.

Minimal hazard exposure across the board

Macon County's risk profile is balanced and low across all categories, with hurricane risk (68.88) being the highest concern and wildfire risk (52.83) second. Even these elevated-by-local-standards scores remain below state and national averages.

Standard homeowners insurance provides coverage

Macon County's very low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically offers adequate protection for most residents. Review your policy annually to ensure appropriate limits, but catastrophic natural disaster coverage is less critical here than in higher-risk regions.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Macon County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistent warmth in the Southeast

Macon County averages 63.2°F annually, which is significantly warmer than the national median. The county records 54.0 inches of precipitation, typical for the humid subtropical region.

Defining the Alabama average

With an annual average of 63.2°F, Macon County perfectly matches the Alabama state mean temperature. Its rainfall is slightly below the state average of 57.4 inches.

Warmer than its northern neighbors

Macon is roughly 2 degrees warmer than Madison and Limestone counties to the north. It sees 66 extreme heat days, far more than Marshall County's 49 days.

Two months of extreme heat

July temperatures average 80.1°F, contributing to 66 days per year above 90°F. Winter is mild with an average of 47.1°F and only 0.3 inches of snow.

Plan for extended summer cooling

With over two months of 90-degree weather, efficient air conditioning is a necessity for residents. Gardeners should choose heat-tolerant plants to survive the 66 extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Macon County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Gritty Coastal Plain Soils

Macon County soil reports a pH of 5.33, remaining more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but slightly more alkaline than the state average. This acidity level is typical for the weathered landscapes of central Alabama.

Sand-Heavy Mix for Rapid Warming

The soil composition is 53.9% sand, which helps the ground warm up quickly for early spring planting. However, with only 15.6% clay, the soil can struggle to anchor nutrients during heavy rains.

Lower Water Storage Challenges Farmers

The available water capacity is 0.116 in/in, which is lower than the Alabama average of 0.138. This limited storage and 1.58% organic matter contribute to a soil score of 18.0, indicating a need for careful soil management.

Fast-Moving Water Through the Profile

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high sand percentage implies very rapid drainage. Landowners should expect the ground to dry out quickly after rain, making irrigation a critical tool for success.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 8b

Heat-tolerant crops like sweet potatoes and okra thrive in Macon's well-warmed sandy soils. With regular mulching to preserve moisture, your garden can overcome the low water capacity of the natural terrain.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Macon County

via LawnByCounty

The Challenge of Macon County Lawns

Macon County's lawn score of 31.6 indicates a challenging environment compared to the national median of 50.0. However, it remains slightly more favorable for gardening than the broader Alabama state average of 29.5.

Beating the Intense South-Central Heat

Lawns must endure 66 days of extreme heat over 90°F, which is higher than the state average of 64 days. With 54.0 inches of annual rain, you must balance high heat with significant seasonal moisture.

Sandy Soil Needs Nutrient Support

The soil is comprised of 53.9% sand and 15.6% clay, leading to quick drainage and potential nutrient leaching. A low pH of 5.33 means most lawns will benefit from regular lime applications to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 level.

Severe Drought Conditions are Universal

Currently, 100% of the county suffers from severe drought, following 23 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. It is vital to prioritize water conservation by using smart irrigation and drought-resistant grass types.

Seeding for the 8b Hardiness Zone

Focus on warm-season grasses that handle the local heat, such as Centipede or Bermuda. Your optimal planting window typically begins after March 25th and ends before the first frost on November 8th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Macon County's county score?
Macon County, Alabama has a composite county score of 55.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Macon County rank among counties in Alabama?
Macon County ranks #24 among all counties in Alabama on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Macon County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Macon County is $468, with an effective tax rate of 0.49%. This earns Macon County a tax score of 87/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Macon County?
The median household income in Macon County, Alabama is $45,951 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Macon County earns an income score of 8.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Macon County, Alabama a good place to live?
Macon County scores 55.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Macon County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Macon County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.